Profession massage therapist. How and where to look for a job as a massage therapist - what do you need to start, and where to start? Who can work as a massage therapist?

Attracts many. Firstly, it brings in a good income, and secondly, anyone can master it. But where to start your journey? What does it take to become a massage therapist? And how long will it take to learn the basics of the profession?

It would seem that finding answers to all these questions is quite simple. But if you dig deeper, hidden facts come to light, giving rise to more and more new questions. Therefore, in order to dispel all myths and prejudices in one fell swoop, let's talk about how you can really become a good massage therapist in Russia.

The first step is the hardest

Let's say a certain plan called “I want to become a massage therapist” has arisen in your head. After thinking about it, you will clearly come to the conclusion that this is a good idea that is easy to implement. But for some reason, most people simply don’t go beyond empty ranting.

Therefore, the first advice will be banal: “Act!” That is, don’t just read an article about how to become a massage therapist, but actually start following all the recommendations that are written in it. After all, this is the only way to achieve success. And remember: the first step is the most difficult, then it will be easier.

What qualities should a massage therapist have?

So, let's put aside thoughts about professional skills for a moment and focus on what personal qualities every massage therapist should have. After all, if a person doesn’t have them, he will have to work hard to develop them.

Good physical shape is the first minimum necessary, since almost all types of massage require strength in the hands. Otherwise, the specialist will not be able to properly stretch the large muscles and tendons.
Endurance and patience are the key to productive work. This is due to the fact that some massage sessions can last an entire hour, or even more. Therefore, a person must prepare himself in advance for such tests of soul and body.
An indomitable thirst for knowledge. For some reason, some specialists stop after studying only a few massage techniques. This is the wrong approach, because a good master has many skills. Therefore, if you are seriously thinking about how to become a massage therapist, you should be prepared for the fact that you will have to study for the rest of your life.

On the verge of an important choice

There are several ways to learn the profession of a massage therapist. However, any of them will have both its pros and cons. Therefore, it would be correct to discuss them separately in order to understand which one is better.

In short, the first way is to complete preparatory courses, which will give you an idea of the basics of this profession. The second is to enroll in a medical college or school, which will open access to more popular massage techniques.

How to become a massage therapist without medical education

Many people incorrectly believe that having a medical degree is a fundamental factor in the work of every massage therapist. However, this is far from the truth. Today, thousands of specialists in different parts of our country successfully cope with their duties without having any medical education at all.

After all, the truth is that the basics of the skill can be learned in special massage courses. Moreover, they are carried out in almost every city, with the possible exception of remote outbacks and small villages. Therefore, signing up for such courses is as easy as shelling pears, if you have a desire to learn. Now about the advantages of such training:

Firstly, this is accessibility. On average, the cost of training varies from 4 to 8 thousand rubles for the entire course. And thanks to this, everyone can accumulate enough funds to complete it.
Secondly, quick results. You can learn in 2-3 months, which allows you to soon start working in this specialty.
Thirdly, upon completion of training, all graduates are given special certificates that allow them to officially work in this field.

However, there are also disadvantages. And the main one is that the presence of such education does not give authority to conduct courses of therapeutic massage. And this greatly limits the list of places where a master can work, and also cuts his upper limit of monthly income.

On the path to supreme excellence

It is true that you can become a massage therapist without medical education. But in this case, you will have to come to terms with the fact that you will not be able to provide some types of services. For example, the same therapeutic massage that is so in demand by older people.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to talk about how to become a medically trained massage therapist. And again, there are two ways things can go:

The first is to graduate from a university and then take a course as a massage therapist. Naturally, this option is best considered by those who have already received a diploma as a doctor or paramedic, since it is stupid to spend 4 years of your life just to obtain this profession.
The second is to enroll in special preparatory classes in therapeutic massage. They are held at medical schools, universities, clinics or centers. However, you will have to study here much longer than in regular courses. But the end result fully justifies such costs.

Choosing a Specialization

It should be clearly understood that today there are a huge number of types of massage. Therefore, in order not to torment yourself in the future with the question: “Why did I become a massage therapist in this particular area and not another?”, let’s discuss the main directions of the profession.

Cosmetic or The beauty of this direction is that it is not at all necessary to have a medical education. All you need to do is complete the training course and you can start looking for clients. In addition, over time, it is quite possible to improve your qualifications by choosing one of the narrow areas. For example, aromatic and energy massages are very popular today.
Wellness. In this case, the healing properties of the procedures come first, which requires certain knowledge in medicine. The practical skills of a specialist are no less important, because, unlike cosmetic massage, any inaccurate movement can harm the patient. This is especially true when it comes to patients suffering from defects of bones or muscle tissue.
Oriental. Although this is a relatively new direction for Russia, it is now in great demand. Thus, Thai massage salons are opening in many cities today, and the list of their clients is truly impressive.

How to become a massage therapist, or what you have to learn?

Regardless of what specialization a specialist chooses, he will still have to master the following basics:

general human anatomy;
basic hand massage techniques;
features of the use of vegetable oils and extracts;
rules of sanitary control in the workplace.

A few words about practical skills

So, a massage therapist? The answer is quite simple: be able to give an excellent massage. Alas, to achieve this, courses alone will not be enough. After all, they will not be able to give one important thing - practical skills. After all, no matter how hard teachers try, they simply cannot pay due attention to all students.

Thus, the fate of students is in their own hands. In order to better consolidate the material you have covered, tirelessly repeat the lesson in practice. Fortunately, today few people will refuse a free massage session. In addition, you can always involve your loved ones, friends or even neighbors in this process. And who knows, perhaps in the future they will be your main clients.

We talked about how to become a massage therapist, now we just need to figure out where to look for work next. The good news is that you can even receive clients at home, the main thing is to get a massage table and some accessories and consumables (the same oils). Moreover, even a few techniques a day can quickly recoup the money invested in training.

But for those who want to develop, it is better to think about working in a massage parlor. Thanks to the constant influx of clients, you can quickly develop practical skills, which will only work to your advantage in the future. Well, if you have a medical education, then the ideal place to work would be a private clinic or sanatorium, since the level of payment here is the highest.

How much do massage therapists earn in Russia?

Is it possible to become a massage therapist and still earn little? Of course you can, especially if you do nothing. After all, one of the main features of this profession is that each specialist himself determines the minimum threshold of his salary. So, working in a clinic, a specialist can easily receive additional clients outside of normal hours. Or, owning his own massage parlor, a person can conduct preparatory courses or give seminars there.

As for approximate figures, the minimum level varies between 15-20 thousand rubles per month. A little? Yes, but, as practice shows, most good craftsmen work for much more money. Thus, their average in Russia stopped at 45 thousand rubles per month. However, there are those who manage to earn from 80 to 90 thousand rubles. It is true that such income requires maximum dedication and an innovative approach to business from a person. Go for it!

The profession of a massage therapist attracts many people. After all, it brings good income, and mastering it is not difficult. What does it take to become a massage therapist? The article will discuss the features of the profession and the necessary skills.

What is the job of a massage therapist?

Like any other profession, it has its own characteristics and nuances. Massage is a system of dosed effects on the skin and tissues of a person to improve his well-being. There is no need to realign the spine or joints during the work. The massage therapist acts only on the surface of the body. However, a specialist can achieve amazing results. How to become a massage therapist? As in any profession, to become a specialist, you need to have a large amount of knowledge.

Massage as a remedy has been used since ancient times. Currently, it is conventionally divided into sports, therapeutic and cosmetic. Different forms of massage have their own areas of application. Therapeutic is used during sanatorium therapy and in rehabilitation centers. Sports massage specialists work with fitness center visitors and professional athletes. This is necessary to improve muscle condition after training. Cosmetic massage is aimed at improving the condition of the skin. It is mainly used in beauty salons.

How to become a good massage therapist? To engage in such a profession, you need to understand all its features and possess many skills. All types of massage use the same technique, which consists of kneading, patting, stroking and other actions. Massage is divided into several types: fast, slow, superficial, relaxing, erotic, deep, superficial, etc. Massage therapists most often work with their hands, using small mechanical devices: brushes, massage jars. However, their work also involves modern technologies, which involve the use of various devices. They are used for vacuum massage and vibration massage. Such procedures are classified as hardware.

What qualities should a massage therapist have?

The profession requires a person to have the personal qualities that will be needed to do their job well:

Good physical shape is one of the most basic minimums, because performing a massage requires significant strength in the hands. Otherwise, you won’t be able to properly stretch your muscles.
Endurance and patience. These are some of the main qualities required to work as a massage therapist. In some cases, sessions last for a long time.
The need for constant professional self-improvement. After all, a person who has several massage techniques will be in demand in different areas of its application.

If the applicant for this position has most of these personal characteristics, then mastering the profession will not be difficult at all. Where to begin? You can become a massage therapist only after receiving the appropriate education. Only special skills will allow you to fully master the profession.

What education does a massage therapist need?

Having an appropriate diploma will simplify the process of mastering the profession. Therefore, when professionals are asked the question of whether it is possible to become a massage therapist without a medical education, they receive a negative answer. A massage therapist does not have to have a higher education; it is enough to graduate from a medical school and then take special courses. After all, he must have at least minimal knowledge about the anatomical structure of a person, because by acting on biologically active points, one can harm the patient. A regular relaxing massage requires fewer skills than a therapeutic one. Indeed, in the second case, you have to deal with elements of the musculoskeletal system.

Where can I study?

How to become a professional massage therapist? As already mentioned, in order to have the necessary skills, you need to complete special courses. You can sign up for them in almost any city. What are the positive aspects of such training:

Availability. Each person will be able to pay for the training course because the price is low.
Quick results. The basics of massage are taught in 2-3 months.
Upon completion of the courses, a certificate is issued, according to which you can officially work in this field.

How to become a massage therapist without medical education? There is a disadvantage to studying at the courses, because the diploma does not allow you to conduct therapeutic massage. This limits the list of jobs and significantly lowers the upper limit of a specialist’s income.

Choosing a Specialization

How to become a massage therapist? Mastering a profession is not enough; the main thing is to decide on the direction of your activity. Currently, there are many types of massage. These include:

Cosmetic or relaxing massage. This direction does not require medical education. To carry out such a massage, it is enough to take special courses. You can increase your specialization and choose one of the narrow areas - aromatic or energy.
Wellness massage. Such procedures require certain knowledge in medicine. The practical skills of a massage therapist are especially valuable, because one wrong move can harm the patient’s health.
Oriental massage. It belongs to new, although very popular areas today. Thai massage parlors can be found in almost every city in the country.

The correct choice of activity will allow the massage therapist to perform his work efficiently and receive an appropriate income.

Types of massage therapists

People who engage in this type of activity include:

Children's massage therapist. His activities include working with children, including infants. It is aimed not only at correcting physiological deficiencies, but also at their prevention. This will allow the child to grow up completely healthy.
Sports massage therapist. This type of activity is aimed at increasing a person’s physical capabilities and performance, subject to complete safety for his health. Such massage therapists work in fitness rooms and with professional athletes.
Massage therapist-cosmetologist. This type of activity does not exist in medicine, but similar positions exist in many institutions. This massage allows you to improve a person’s appearance (face and body). The procedure involves a combination of medical massage techniques and cosmetic procedures that allow people to look attractive.

The choice of type of activity depends entirely on the abilities of the massage therapist and his preferences.

What will you have to learn?

How to become a massage therapist? Regardless of the specialization of his activity, he will need to master the following skills:

General human anatomy.
Basic techniques of manual massage.
Features of the use of vegetable and essential oils.
Rules of sanitation in the workplace.

All these skills allow the massage therapist to do his job better.

Where to go to work?

A massage therapist can also work at home. To do this, you will need a special table, as well as some accessories and consumables (this includes essential oils). By conducting several sessions a day, a massage therapist can return the money invested in equipment in a short time.

People who want to expand the scope of their activities should think about opening a massage parlor. Thanks to the constant influx of clients, it will be possible to develop practical skills. In the future, they will allow a specialist to become a real professional.

If he has a medical education, then a private clinic or sanatorium, where the wages are quite high, will be a prestigious place of work. The profession of a massage therapist is considered to be in demand, but it requires special skills and abilities from its owner, because in the process of his work he is faced with the health of the patient. Over time, when acquiring certain skills, a specialist can become a real guru.

Irina Davydova

Reading time: 9 minutes

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There are many different opinions about the massage therapist profession, but, whatever one may say, most massage therapists recognize it as one of the best for two reasons. Firstly, this profession allows you to bring real benefits to people. Secondly, you can earn good money while working exclusively for yourself, and not for your “uncle.”

How to become a massage therapist, and where to start?

What does a massage therapist do - features of the profession and types of massage

There is no need to explain to anyone what a massage is. This is the impact, with the help of the skillful hands of a specialist, on the patient’s soft tissues for specific purposes.

This method of treatment and relaxation has been used by people since ancient times. True, today the classification of types of massage has expanded significantly.

The main types include…

Massotherapy. The most complex and responsible, requiring not only a couch and talcum powder, but also specific knowledge.
Children's. Children's massage therapists are especially in demand today. Every 3rd mother turns to a massage therapist with one or another problem for her baby, or even just for the development of the toddler.
Sports. Every professional athlete needs the services of a massage therapist, so specialists in this area are also in demand.
Cosmetic. It is usually carried out in beauty salons and massage parlors to restore the skin to its vibrant, healthy appearance.
Relaxing . This type of massage helps relieve tension, relax muscles, activate the right points in the body, eliminate back pain, etc.
Spot.
Ayurvedic.

Also, massage can be using a machine or other devices (brushes, cups, etc.), it can be oriental (Thai, Korean, shiatsu) and European, etc., deep or superficial.

In the Russian system, massage is usually classified as European, and the founder of our therapeutic school recommended that it be combined with gymnastics and indispensable hydrotherapy for the desired effect (note - M.Ya. Mudrov).

Massage is becoming one of the effective treatment tools for a wide variety of problems and diseases, which include flat feet and cellulite, impaired digestion and spinal problems, beer belly, etc.

Who is this profession for - men or women?

Despite the individual nuances of the profession, it is still suitable for both. Of course, a man has more strength, and a power massage will be more effective, but for a massage for children (or for a cosmetic, relaxing one), gentle female hands are preferable.

Well, and most importantly: this profession will always be in demand, and everyone will find a job in it.

Pros and cons of working as a massage therapist

Knowledgeable people say that the advantages of this work outweigh all the disadvantages.

Is it so?

The advantages of the profession include the following:

An opportunity to realize yourself in a profession that will be useful not only for you, but also for others. Double joy when your activity brings tangible benefits to someone.
Opportunity to work for yourself.
Decent earnings (massage nowadays is an expensive pleasure).
Demand. The stronger the progress, the less people move, and the more health problems arise. A sedentary lifestyle affects absolutely everyone, which ultimately leads to the need to treat emerging problems. And, of course, no one is canceling children’s massage, massage therapists in sanatoriums and salons, etc.
Low competition. There are few true professionals today. There are many massage therapists who have completed standard courses, but there are very few specialists who have the official right to conduct therapeutic massage.
Regular communication with people.
Free schedule (when working for yourself, you plan the sessions yourself, based on your free time).

Disadvantages of the profession:

Physically hard work. A fragile little girl simply cannot handle a serious power massage.
Regular professional development is a must.
When working for yourself, you will have to periodically spend money on consumables (not such serious bills, but sometimes inappropriate).
You will have to find clients on your own.
Massages will have to be given to a variety of people, including those you wouldn't particularly want to see naked on your couch.
High responsibility. This is one of the most important disadvantages. For example, with certain problems with the spine in the cervical region, a careless movement can make a person disabled. This is why amateurs are never allowed to undergo therapeutic massage.
The presence of a massage “cabinet” in an apartment may raise questions – among neighbors, family members, the SES, and so on. Therefore, the ideal option is to rent your own office in a suitable institution.
Over time, a professional massage therapist can acquire diseases such as varicose veins (note: constant work on the legs), problems with the spine and joints of the hands.

As you can see, there are many more shortcomings, but for a person aimed at success, this is not a problem!

What skills and talents do a future massage therapist need?

The qualities and talents that a massage therapist should have include…

Communication skills and personal charm. The massage therapist must inspire confidence in the patient.
Endurance and patience.
Thirst for knowledge (will have to constantly develop).
Stress resistance.
Confidence and calm.
Extreme care.

What should a massage therapist be able to know?

Human anatomy, including the location of muscles, all tendons, as well as large vessels, nerve fibers, and organs. And, of course, the specific effects of each massage technique on the body.
Key massage techniques.
All features of massage.
The nuances of using oils and other products during massage.
All requirements/rules regarding sanitary control.
All possible indications/contraindications for this or that type of massage.
Psychology, physiology.
The ability to choose the right type and technique of massage for a specific person in accordance with contraindications, etc.

What can’t a massage therapist do without?

Relevant education.
License (certificate).
A sufficient level of qualifications for the job.
Strong arms and legs, good overall physical shape.
Place for holding sessions.

I’ll become a massage therapist, let them teach me – where should I go to study?

Unfortunately, in our time there are very few professional massage therapists, and they simply disappear into the general mass of amateurs who proudly call themselves massage therapists.

Of course, in fairness, it is worth saying that among amateurs there are people who are fluent in the art of massage - but, alas, not everyone is given the ability to master this art.

This is why professional training is so important, rather than a month-long course “listened to over the Internet.”

So, you can master (at different levels!) a profession in 2 ways:

Courses at a medical educational institution. Affordable and fast option. Duration of training depends on the program. After graduation, you receive a certificate giving you the right to work, but with limited powers and, accordingly, with a reduced income level.
Obtaining appropriate education at a medical school, and only then - additional massage courses . This is an ideal option for those who have already received a medical education (nurses, paramedics, doctors), or for those who are still looking for their path of development in life.

Can you fully and legally work as a massage therapist without a medical education?

No and no again.

Therapeutic massage, the most in demand, will be an unattainable dream for you if you only have a certificate.

Do I need to graduate from medical school to become a massage therapist?

No. It is enough to obtain the specialty “nurse” (the duration of training is only a little over 2 years) - and complete the courses there (for a fee).

What's next?

New techniques appear quite often, and the preferences of patients change just as often, whose horizons regarding new techniques also expand, so improving skills is necessary and inevitable.

You can improve your qualifications at domestic or international schools (there are many of them today).

How much does a massage therapist earn, career ladder and demand for the profession

A massage therapist can have a small salary only in 2 cases:

He doesn't want to work (or is too lazy to look for clients).
He lives in a region where almost no one needs massage.

Each massage therapist working for himself determines his salary threshold independently.

Salary depends on the desire to work, on the availability of clients and on the method of work itself:

The average salary in a salon is 20,000-80,000 rubles, depending on the city, the prestige of the salon, and the skills of the massage therapist.
The average salary at a clinic is 15,000-30,000 rubles.
The average salary when working for yourself is from 50,000 rubles and above, depending on the number of clients and efficiency. One massage session, depending on its complexity, today costs 500-3000 rubles. The maximum number of sessions per day is determined by the massage therapist himself. One gets tired after the 1st session, while the other spends 4-5 sessions a day easily and “with a song”.

Demand for the profession

We have already talked about it above, but it is worth noting that this profession is among the TOP 10 most popular in the modern labor market.

Massage therapist required in…

Clinics and hospitals.
Health centers and sanatoriums.
Massage parlors and beauty salons.
In sports clubs.
In baths and so on.

Speaking about a career, it should be noted that its pinnacle is her own massage parlor.

True, you will have to work hard for it to pay for itself in terms of costs, but then you can work for yourself with a clear conscience, without worrying that difficult times without money will come.

How and where to look for a job as a massage therapist - what do you need to start, and where to start?

Even if you want to work exclusively for yourself, it is still better to start by working “for someone else” in order to gain the necessary experience. It is not recommended to start swimming on your own without practice.

If you have a medical education and an appropriate certificate, then you will not have any problems with getting a job anywhere (massage therapists are needed everywhere today). The ideal option is a private clinic or sanatorium.

If you have enough experience, then it’s time to think about your own office. Find a convenient place with inexpensive rent, purchase a massage table and related tools/consumables, and go ahead!

Important:

Clients who require constant massage quickly get used to their massage therapist and do not want to change him. In addition, they will recommend a good massage therapist to their friends and relatives.

Therefore, when working in a clinic, you can have time to acquire your own client base.

How to look for clients?

The surest way is word of mouth. It is from regular customers that the main income comes, so the more people you make happy, the better. And you should start with free sessions so that people will come to you for a high-quality and professional massage.

Well, here are the standard methods:

Social networks and forums, message boards on the Internet.
Advertisements in newspapers.
Business cards, flyers.
And so on.

Don't forget about your physical fitness– a massage therapist must be strong, physically resilient, capable of long, hard work in every sense.

The site site thanks you for your attention to the article! We will be very pleased if you share your feedback and tips in the comments below.

Profession massage therapist

Massage therapist is one of the most in-demand professions nowadays. Despite this, finding a qualified specialist is not so easy. How to become a massage therapist? After all, this work requires a lot of diligence and constant improvement of your skills. And not everyone can do this.

Massage therapist education

It is widely believed that to master the profession it is enough to complete a massage course. And after them you can work, for example, the issued certificate will allow you to do cosmetic massage.

On the other hand, there is an opinion about the mandatory need for specialized medical education.

The discrepancies arose due to two points:

getting a specialized medical education is not easy, it takes a lot of time and effort, so many massage therapists would be better off if there were loopholes
The legislator calls the requirement for a massage license mandatory for “medical massage,” so beauty salons and others claim that they perform purely cosmetic manipulations.

Is it possible to become a massage therapist without medical education?

In fact, those who argue about the strict necessity of both massage courses and medical education are right. And now they have begun to pay more attention to this, in particular, all massage therapists who practice on the market have become puzzled about obtaining it in the last 3-5 years.

Many people are interested in how to become a massage therapist without medical education. ?

Answer: None. You can complete a massage course, but you will only practice on your friends and family.

Is it possible to become a massage therapist without education? - It is forbidden

The requirement for mandatory medical education is expressly stated in the regulations regarding the issuance of a license.

To confirm this conclusion, I will cite the latest documents on this issue:

Letter of Roszdravnadzor dated March 13, 2013 N 16i-243/13 “On licensing of Thai massage”, which directly states that Thai massage is the same medical massage and is subject to licensing.

According to the nomenclature of works and services in healthcare (order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Russia dated December 27, 2011 No. 1664n), general massage, massage of the face, neck, hands, scalp, peeling massage, foot massage, massage for spinal diseases, can only be performed when presence of a license.

Or the decision of the Arbitration Court of the Sverdlovsk Region dated June 30, 2015 in case No. A60-15107/2015, according to which the provision of massage services in the absence of a license entails administrative liability.

It is not necessary to be a doctor, i.e. finish medical school. Secondary specialized medical education, namely a medical school or college, is sufficient. For example, a paramedic or a nurse with a fresh diploma or a break in practice of no more than a year, and specialized massage courses, can work as a massage therapist.

Then it will be possible to engage in children’s and therapeutic massage, and other types of massage.

So, the fastest option to get a medical education is honey. school, specialty nurse (nurse), training 2 years 10 months full-time, or 3 years 10 months evening training. You will take massage courses there, for an additional fee, in your final year. Unfortunately, there are no options for distance learning.

Whatever it is massage therapist education, any institution is obliged to issue a state certificate.

In the future, in order not to lose the opportunity to practice massage officially, a specialist needs to improve his qualifications and learn new skills every five years.

How to become a massage therapist

Features of the work of a massage therapist

A sought-after massage therapist must have strong hands, capable of developing muscles and efficiently kneading and stroking the body.

Healthy legs are very important. This work is not easy, and sometimes you don’t manage to sit down even once during the whole day. Therefore, if you have varicose veins, sore joints, weak leg and back muscles, the profession of a massage therapist will seem very difficult to you.

The specialist must have a good understanding of physiology, anatomy and know what massage techniques will help certain parts of the body and muscles. The point is that you need to understand the nature of the disease, and which points can be affected and which cannot be touched, so as not to aggravate the patient’s problem.

This profession values friendliness and sociability. Before starting a session, it is important to talk to the person and gain their trust.

You can achieve success in this activity if you work hard, improve your knowledge and accumulate experience.

Massage: first acquaintance

You need to understand that massage can be of different types - therapeutic for medical reasons, relaxing, relaxing, sports. And accordingly, it must be done differently.

You will also have to learn new things, both classic and new massage techniques, for example hot stone massage (stone massage).

Massage is also divided into:

by force of impact on deep or superficial
by speed - fast or slow
by effect - stimulating, calming, relaxing
according to the degree of manual labor - manual or hardware
according to the massage system - European or Oriental

At the medical college you will be taught the classical school of Russian massage according to the European system. If you want an oriental school, you’ll go looking for additional courses.

To understand, the European massage system is what we are accustomed to understanding as massage.

Examples of the eastern massage system are shiatsu (Japanese massage), su-jok (Korean massage), Thai massage and other types.

Where can a massage therapist work to gain experience?

Before, how to start working for yourself, it makes sense for a future massage therapist to work for hire and practice on clients.

The main places where novice massage therapists can gain practical experience:

clinic, hospital;
fitness center, sports school;
beauty salon, bathhouse, sauna;
sanatorium, children's health center.

A competent specialist, having accumulated extensive experience, will acquire a regular clientele. Then it’s worth getting a license and starting private practice.

Massage therapist income

How much do massage therapists earn?

If a massage therapist is at the stage of developing skills through hired work, then the average prices are as follows:

A beginning massage therapist in a state medical institution receives about 15 thousand rubles.
In commercial salons, the salary is much higher and sometimes reaches 150 thousand rubles.

Much depends on the region. In big cities, earnings are higher than in small towns and villages. The qualifications of the specialist play a big role. Professional craftsmen have a wide clientele.

So, the average salary of a hired massage therapist ranges around 40 thousand rubles for the regions.

In private practice it’s easier - you regulate your own flow of clients and income.

For example, in the regions, a 40-minute back massage costs about 500 rubles in 2016. During the day, a massage therapist can comfortably receive no more than 7-8 people maximum. This is 3500 rubles per day, 20 working days.

As a result, the private practice of a massage therapist will bring about 70 thousand rubles, from which taxes, creams, rent of premises or space in a beauty salon, depreciation of the massage table, etc. must be deducted.

Massage is an excellent way to relax and relieve muscle tension. This skill can be useful in helping loved ones. It’s also a good way to earn money, because specialists who know it are in great demand. But many people don’t know how to become a massage therapist. But you can acquire a useful skill even if you do not have a medical education.

What does it take to become a massage therapist?

Oddly enough, in order to master this specialty, you should first of all improve your physical fitness. Massage requires sufficient physical effort and endurance; an ordinary person will very quickly become exhausted during the session without completing it. Hands and fingers get tired especially quickly, so you need to start training them, strengthening the muscles with the help of special exercises. It would also be useful to study the theory: the structure of the human body.

How to become a massage therapist without medical education?

Anyone can master massage skills without having any special education. To do this, it is enough to complete training courses and receive a certificate. Similar programs are offered by medical institutions and some commercial organizations. You can find a lot of similar offers on the Internet. Prices here may vary, but in general the cost of courses is not very high and is approximately equal to the cost of driving courses. To learn to become a massage therapist, you will need at most several months, but then it will be advisable to devote a little time to gaining experience by practicing on friends and acquaintances.

After completing the courses, you can work professionally as a massage therapist. However, in this case, you will only be able to do a general or cosmetic massage, not therapeutic or restorative. Without a medical education, you can start working as a massage therapist in a beauty salon, etc. establishments or offer your services privately.

How to become a licensed professional massage therapist?

If you are interested in the answer to the question of how to become a good massage therapist who has a license and earns a lot, then you should keep in mind that there is nothing to do here without a medical education. First, you will have to graduate from medical school or take a special qualification course at a medical university, and then also complete massage courses. And only after this can you count on obtaining a license and a well-paid job.